Maui native praised for producing quality year-round programming
(MAUI, Hawai‘i) – Kāʻanapali Golf Courses’ Head PGA Teaching Professional, Chris Armanini, has been named the 2023 Aloha Section PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year. Born and raised on Maui, Armanini was recognized by his peers for his commitment to excellence in golf programming across the state.
“It is gratifying to be acknowledged as a leader in golf instruction and coaching in Hawaiʻi,” reflected Armanini. “The recognition of my fellow PGA Professionals in the Aloha Section and being in the Hawaiʻi record books tells me that I’m on the right path. What a special night this was to be a part of.”
Kā‘anapali’s Chris Armanini poses with two students on Royal Kā‘anapali in Lahaina, Maui, HI. (Photo by Kā‘anapali Golf Courses)
Armanini accepted his award during the Hoʻolauleʻa Hawaiʻi Golf Awards Ceremony at the Japanese Cultural Center on Oahu. The event annually celebrates champions and award winners in Hawaiʻi golf.
In 2016, Armanini became a PGA Class-A member, as well as one of Maui’s first Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Golf Professionals. After teaching at the Kapalua Golf Academy from 2017–19, he was asked to lead Kā‘anapali’s instructional program beginning in January 2020.
Royal Kā‘anapali’s fifth hole at sunrise is framed by Kā‘anapali Beach and the West Maui Mountains. (Photo by Kā‘anapali Golf Courses)
Coming up through the state’s junior ranks, Armanini led Baldwin High School to win the 2006 HHSAA Boys Golf Team State Championship. While respected by global resort guests and Kama‘aina alike, Armanini has a special gift for mentoring children. The former Top 50 Kids Coach by U.S. Kids Golf, 2022 PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Award winner and head coach of the 2022 HHSAA Boys Golf State Championship winning team has successfully structured Kā‘anapali’s Keiki Club to cover all aspects of the “technical game” and “playing side.”
“Every player learns differently. It’s my job to present information in a way that resonates with them,” noted Armanini. “There are many ways that someone can successfully hit a ball. This is largely based on how they move physically. I don’t teach just one swing style. Rather, I guide everyone towards something they can do in their own swing and golf game.”
Kā‘anapali’s Chris Armanini discusses different putting techniques with students on Royal Kā‘anapali in Lahaina, Maui, HI. (Photo by Kā‘anapali Golf Courses)
Incorporated in 1975, the Aloha Section PGA serves 236 members across 90 facilities in Hawaiʻi. The organization’s mission is to promote interest, participation, enjoyment and involvement in golf.
“The Kā‘anapali ‘Ohana is extremely proud of Chris’ latest award and upward industry trajectory,” said Karl Reul, general manager of Kā‘anapali Golf Courses. “We have enjoyed working with Chris to develop and promote a facility where members, guests and juniors can all receive exceptional instruction and personalized care at affordable rates.”
To learn more about Kā‘anapali’s tailored approach to instruction, visit www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com.
About Kā’anapali Golf Courses
Built on 300 acres of land once home to Hawaiian royalty, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses present golfers with pristine conditions and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.
Opened in 1962 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the par-71, 6,700-yard Royal Kā‘anapali Course features wide fairways and undulating greens which make it both distinctive and demanding. The tournament-tested layout played host to the Champions Tour Kā‘anapali Classic for 14 years, Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, the Canada Cup and LPGA Kemper Open, welcoming Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and other legends.
Complementing the Royal Kā‘anapali Course is the modernized Kā‘anapali Kai Course, which hosted Golf Channel’s “Big Break Kā‘anapali” in 2008. Extensively renovated in 2005, the 6,400-yard, par-70 layout boasts an array of strategically placed bunkers, contoured fairways and resurfaced greens.
More information: www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com and 808-661-3691.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company, providing services at 850-plus locations, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses around the globe. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, and via The Turn Podcast.
